Former Labour minister Frank Field dies aged 81

Former Labour minister Frank Field dies aged 81

Lord Field of Birkenhead, a former Labour minister and crossbench peer, has passed away at the age of 81 following an illness. The politician spent 40 years as an MP for Birkenhead and was a leading voice for welfare reform over his career. He was also a former minister under Tony Blair, and joined the… Continue reading Former Labour minister Frank Field dies aged 81

Government scrapped tests to check £4bn childcare plan would work

Government scrapped tests to check £4bn childcare plan would work

The UK government’s ambitious plan to expand funded childcare for working parents may be in jeopardy, according to the National Audit Office (NAO). Following the decision to scrap a £35m pilot in selected areas, there is now “significant” uncertainty as to how the national rollout will be achieved. The programme is expected to cost £15.2bn… Continue reading Government scrapped tests to check £4bn childcare plan would work

My Neighbour Totoro: Stage show transfers to London's West End

My Neighbour Totoro: Stage show transfers to London's West End

The Royal Shakespeare Company’s award-winning production of My Neighbour Totoro is set to transfer to London’s West End in 2025, following two successful runs at the Barbican theatre. The stage adaptation of Studio Ghibli’s 1988 Japanese animated fantasy film, written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki, will open at the Gillian Lynne theatre in March 2025… Continue reading My Neighbour Totoro: Stage show transfers to London's West End

'Show respect', Nottingham victim's mum urges over graphic post

'Show respect', Nottingham victim's mum urges over graphic post

Emma Webber, mother of victim Barnaby Webber in the Nottingham attacks, has called out a police staff member who posted graphic messages about the tragedy in a WhatsApp group. In an open letter to the group, Webber asked the staff to show respect for her son who lost his life in the attacks, and for… Continue reading 'Show respect', Nottingham victim's mum urges over graphic post

The councils selling the family silver to pay bills

The councils selling the family silver to pay bills

Many councils in the UK are selling off assets worth hundreds of millions of pounds to offset short-term debts, including car parks, land for new homes, and museums. However, some councils are refusing to sell antiques and other valuables considered part of the town’s heritage as councilors of different political parties believe it would be… Continue reading The councils selling the family silver to pay bills

Sprints singer: 'I should be able to perform without being groped'

Sprints singer: 'I should be able to perform without being groped'

Sprinter Karla Chubb from the Irish punk band Sprints has recounted how she was groped by an audience member during a Belfast performance, revealing that this was the second such assault of their debut album tour. She believes that speaking out may highlight the wider problem (is facing female performers and) witnessed a positive and… Continue reading Sprints singer: 'I should be able to perform without being groped'

Jeffrey Donaldson: Ex-DUP leader due in court over sex offence charges

Jeffrey Donaldson: Ex-DUP leader due in court over sex offence charges

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, former leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), is set to appear in court later today on historical sex charges. The 61-year-old was arrested back in March and has been charged with a number of offenses, including rape. He has vowed to strongly deny these allegations. Additionally, a 57-year-old woman has also… Continue reading Jeffrey Donaldson: Ex-DUP leader due in court over sex offence charges

Newspaper headlines: Arms industry on 'war footing' and Channel tragedy

Newspaper headlines: Arms industry on 'war footing' and Channel tragedy

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has promised to increase defence spending by billions of pounds by the end of the decade. The move comes after months of pressure from Conservative MPs, including the Defence Secretary, who want to counter growing threats to the country. Chancellor Rishi Sunak has pledged to raise defence spending to 2.5%… Continue reading Newspaper headlines: Arms industry on 'war footing' and Channel tragedy

London Marathon runner tastes 25 glasses of wine during race

London Marathon runner tastes 25 glasses of wine during race

Tom Gilbey, a wine expert, has raised over £14,000 for charity after he sampled 25 different wines during the London Marathon. He completed the race by blind tasting a different wine at every mile, naming each wine’s vintage, grape and producer. Gilbey, who ran his last marathon in 1996, had not trained with “fuel” except… Continue reading London Marathon runner tastes 25 glasses of wine during race

Kidnap arrest after girl, 9, taken from Knightsbridge

Kidnap arrest after girl, 9, taken from Knightsbridge

Police in London have arrested a 56-year-old man on suspicion of child kidnapping, after a nine-year-old girl became separated from her family in Knightsbridge. On Monday at 14:44 BST, police received a report of a missing child after she was last seen in Brompton Road. The girl was circulated to officers in Knightsbridge after an… Continue reading Kidnap arrest after girl, 9, taken from Knightsbridge